India’s vice-captain Shubman Gill said they are not taking England ODIs as practice for the upcoming Champions Trophy. Gill said they will take the series like any other bilateral series and they want to win it by dominating it.

India had ended as the runners-up of the 2023 ODI World Cup and they would look to prepare themselves in the best possible manner for the Champions Trophy. 

Meanwhile, Gill could only score 93 runs in three Test matches against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar trophy however he scored a gutsy century for Punjab in the Ranji Trophy clash against Karnataka.

“I think we are playing against a good side. Three ODIs and we are not taking this as a practice for Champions Trophy,” said Gill at the pre-match press conference. I think this is a very important series for us. Every series is very important and we are looking to dominate and win this series like any other series.”

Gill has been appointed as Rohit Sharma’s deputy and he said he would look to lead from the front and provide his input to the captain if it is needed at any stage of the game.

“Yes, I have been given an added responsibility and I take it as a challenge to lead, firstly with my performances and then definitely in the field if Rohit Bhai would want my opinion or anything. I think it’s my duty to let him know what my thoughts are on the game.

“As a vice captain, it’s a huge responsibility. I think, being part of the think-tank, how GG bhai (Gautam Gambhir) thinks, how Rohit bhai thinks. What are the plans for certain batsmen, certain bowlers, how to take on certain opposition. Just learning that, I think, is a big goal for me and that’s what I will try to do.”

Gill would look to give his best in the upcoming ODIs against England and he is all set to open with Rohit Sharma. 

The first ODI between India and England will be played at Nagpur on Thursday.